Chris Rock, host of the 2014 BET Awards in L.A., is heading back to the stage for stand-up. Photo Credit: Getty Images for BET / Kevin Winter

After an eight-year absence from doing stand-up, Rock has inked a deal with Netflix to do two comedy specials for a $40 million payday, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The Emmy-winning performer will reportedly receive $20 million per special, which is believed to be more than such high-profile comics as Jerry Seinfeld and Amy Schumer have been paid.

Rock’s first special is slated to tape sometime in 2017, after he wraps a world tour that is still being planned. No premiere dates have been set for either special.

In a statement made upon the announcement, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said, “Chris Rock is a beloved actor and director, and his remarkable stand-up makes him comic royalty. There is no one like him, and Netflix offers the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent.”

In recent years, Rock, who shot to stardom as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1990s, has focused his career on movies (the two “Grown Ups” films) and television, including a guest spot earlier this year on Fox’s “Empire.” He also hosted the Academy Awards in February, directed HBO’s comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo” and appeared in the Netflix holiday special “A Very Murray Christmas” starring Bill Murray.